Never underestimate the power of words. Sticks and stones will break your bones and yes, words can hurt students a great deal. But a teacher’s use of the right words at the right time can be powerful affirming self esteem boosters that can advance learning and self-esteem enormously. Use encouraging words at every opportunity and use them often. Below are a few to consider.

78 Ways to Say “Good Work”

1. Good for you!

2. Superb.

3. You did that very well.

4. You’ve got it made.

5. Terrific!

6. That’s not bad.

7. Couldn’t have done it better myself.

8. Marvelous!

9. You’re doing fine.

10. You’re really improving.

11. You’re on the right track now.

12. Now you’ve figured it out.

13. Outstanding!

14. That’s coming along nicely.

15. I knew you could do it.

16. You figured that out fast.

17. I think you’ve got it now.

18. Tremendous!

19. You certainly did it well today.

20. Perfect!

21. Nice going.

22. You’ve got your brain in gear today.

23. Now you’ve got the hang of it.

24. WOW!

25. Wonderful!

26. You’re getting better every day.

27. You’re learning fast.

28. You make it look easy.

29. That’s very much better.

30. Super!

31. You did a lot of work today.

32. Keep it up!

33. Congratulations!

34. Exactly right!

35. Nice going.

36. Excellent!

37. Sensational!

38. You’re doing beautifully.

39. You’ve just about mastered that!

40. That’s the best ever.

41. That’s great.

42. Way to go!

43. That’s the way to do it!

44. That’s quite an improvement.

45. Good thinking.

46. Keep up the good work.

47. That’s it!

48. That’s better.

49. You haven’t missed a thing.

50. Fantastic!

51. You outdid yourself today!

52. You’re doing a good job.

53. That’s the right way to do it.

54. That’s better.

55. Right on!

56. Well, look at you go!

57. That’s the best you’ve ever done.

58. That’s RIGHT!

59. You must have been practicing!

60. Great!

61. Keep working on it; you’re getting better.

62. You remembered!

63. You’re really working hard today.

64. That’s what I call a fine job!

65. I knew you could do it!

66. I’m very proud of you.

67. One more time and you’ll have it.

68. That’s good!

69. Good job.

70. Good remembering.

71. Nothing can stop you now.

72. You are doing much better today.

73. Keep on trying.

74. You’re really learning a lot.

75. You’ve just about got it.

76. I’ve never seen anyone do it better.

77. You are very good

To learn more about student success by grade level, please see the links below.